Indiana flu deaths reached 167 last week, up from 136

February 9, 2018

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — State health officials say the number of flu-related deaths in Indiana this season reached 167 last week, up from 136 the previous week.

State Health Commissioner Kris Box said Friday there are no signs Indiana’s current severe flu season has peaked. She urged Hoosiers to get a flu shot if they haven’t already and to take precautions, including frequent hand-washing and covering their mouths when coughing, to protect their families.

Most of Indiana’s flu-related deaths this season have involved people age 65 and older, but nearly 83 percent of the influenza-like illnesses reported this year to the state involve people age 24 and younger.

Indiana’s weekly influenza report for the period ending Feb. 3 shows 128 of the state’s flu deaths have occurred among people age 65 or older.